MELVILLE, N.Y. (Nov. 30, 2008) Nikon Inc. today announced the D3X, an FX-format digital SLR featuring extreme 24.5-megapixel resolution and superb low-noise capabilities, which provides professional photographers with commercial-quality image performance in a familiar and extraordinarily versatile D-SLR form factor. In conjunction with the groundbreaking Nikon FX-format D3, the D3X tops off a collection of flagship level, rugged, professional caliber digital single lens reflex cameras engineered to excel in all types of professional photographic disciplines from photojournalism and sideline sports, to commercial in-studio applications.

The foundation of the enhanced performance of the D3X is its FX-format, 24.5-megapixel (6048 x 4032) CMOS sensor providing commercial, high fashion, fine art and landscape photographers with the extreme resolution, dynamic range, color depth, detail and sharpness that clients demand. Whether creating catalogs, magazine covers, billboards or gallery prints, the large 5.49-micron pixel size and high signal to noise ratio produces vibrant images with breathtaking image fidelity while reducing lost highlights and shadows, and ensuring smoother tone reproduction with minimized noise. With full resolution shooting speeds of up to five frames-per-second (fps), and 14-bit files, that when processed are approximately 138 MB, the D3X offers today's photographic artists an extreme level of performance and versatility ready for demanding assignments in the studio or on location.

In 2007, the 12.1-megapixel FX-format D3 delivered groundbreaking digital SLR image quality, coupled with incomparable high ISO, low noise performance and high-speed handling. In doing so, the D3 broke photographic barriers, enabling photographers to work in ways never before possible, said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. Now, the new 24.5-megapixel FX-format D3X D-SLR provides the extreme resolution and high dynamic range capabilities needed to meet the extraordinary needs of photographic disciplines such as high fashion, commercial advertising and fine art. The D3X delivers this remarkable capability while fitting seamlessly within the Nikon system, taking full advantage of Nikon's world-renowned collection of NIKKOR lenses and Speedlights.

Image Quality Takes Center Stage
To re-emphasize the importance of image quality above all else, the D3X delivers an incredible level of digital SLR performance to provide photographers with extremely high resolution, exceptional dynamic range, phenomenal total gradation and outstanding color reproduction. Image files can be recorded as TIFF, JPEG or NEF (RAW) formats in either 12- or 14-bit compressed or uncompressed formats, and recorded to UDMA compatible CompactFlash cards for optimum speed. Photographers can save image files directly to the dual card slots as overflow, backup, or as separate file formats to different cards. Building on the D3X's flexibility, users have the creative option to shoot in the 5:4 crop mode with 20.4-megapixel resolution, the ideal format for creating 8 x 10-inch portraits. While using DX-format lenses, faster continuous shooting of up to seven frames per second can be achieved at a resolution of 10.5 megapixels.

The exceptionally low noise of the D3X is essential to any professional commercial application, and it provides photographers with an ISO range of 100 to 1600, expandable to 50 (Lo-1) and 6400 (Hi-2). The ultra smooth tones and lack of grain at ISO 1600 as well as at low sensitivity settings result in smooth, natural skin tones and exacting detail that, before the D3X, required larger and far costlier studio-bound camera systems.

Advanced Technologies, Meticulously Executed
In a commercial setting or on location, imaging professionals need high performance in both speed and processing. The Nikon D3X can shoot at up to five fps at full resolution or up to seven fps in DX crop mode, allowing photographers to catch the split-second difference in a model's expression or capture all of the action in a sequence. Just like the D3, the D3X achieves a start-up time of a mere 0.12 seconds and a shutter release time lag of 0.04 seconds.

The D3X's speed, as well as high levels of performance, leverages Nikon core technologies including a newly enhanced EXPEED Image Processing System, specially designed for the D3X to provide superior image quality, faster processing speeds and lower power consumption. This advanced system is able to achieve extremely precise color reproduction for a broad spectrum of hues, in addition to vivid saturation and smooth gradation. What's more, Nikon's advanced noise processing function is engineered to minimize noise at all sensitivities and operate seamlessly without interfering with other image color parameters.

The D3X also features Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System, which continuously analyzes information from the 1,005-pixel RGB light sensor, to further refine auto exposure, auto white balance and autofocus calculations. This results in flattering portraits and awe-inspiring landscapes that portray accurate color and fine details. Nikon's exclusive 3D Color Matrix Metering II helps ensure accurate exposures, even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Instantly evaluating each scene before capture, input data from the system's sensor is automatically referenced against an internal database of more than 30,000 images derived from actual photographs to calculate correct exposure values. Active D-Lighting, used in combination with 3D Matrix Metering II, helps to determines proper exposure, and creates realistic contrast while compensating for lost shadows and highlights. Prior to shooting, users can choose from Extra High, High, Normal, Low or Off settings, as well as an Auto mode.

Additionally, the D3X features Nikon's exclusive Multi-CAM 3500FX focus module, with 51 AF points, 15 cross type sensors and 36 horizontal sensors that easily track and lock onto moving subjects, delivering the same fast and accurate AF performance that helped make the D3 immediately successful. Users can select any of the AF points, making it easy to consistently attain accurate focus right on a subject's eyes, frame after frame. Additionally, three AF-area modes Single point, Dynamic-area AF and Auto-area AF are available to maximize the use of the 51 focus points by selecting the most suitable one to match subject conditions. AF is also available in one of two Live View modes optimized for the studio, including a phase detection handheld mode and a tripod mode. This feature allows the user to zoom in up to 27x on the LCD screen to ensure critical focus. While in Live View, the graphic indication of a virtual horizon is also available, making it easier than ever to confirm camera orientation.

To further ensure each photographer's ability to balance their personal style, Nikon's Picture Control System enables users to adjust their images to pre-set parameters such as Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome that apply tweaks to image sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, overall tone and saturation. Photographers have creative control over these image parameters with the use of up to nine available customizable presets.

Synchronizing Both Form and Function
Engineered for real-world functionality, the D3X retains a rugged shell with moisture, dust and shock resistance that has become a hallmark of flagship Nikon D-SLRs, while preserving the usability and ergonomics that allow the camera to remain an extension of the photographer's vision. Attention to detail goes so far as to include a self-diagnostic shutter system that is tested to exceed 300,000 cycles for maximum durability and longevity. The camera's body also maintains the resilient magnesium alloy construction and form factor of the D3, promoting consistent Nikon system synergy.

A bright and accurate viewfinder offers 100 percent coverage with 0.7x magnification. The body also houses Nikon's acclaimed 3.0-inch super density LCD screen, now relied upon by so many photographers. The high-resolution 920,000-dot screen is viewable at wide angles up to 170 degrees, and will allow photographers to quickly zoom in to confirm critical focus. Users can also output the video signal to an external display via HDMI to allow client viewing. Thanks to incredibly efficient internal circuitry, the D3X can capture up to 4400* shots per single charge of the camera's Lithium ion battery.

System Strength Withstands the Test of Time
The D3X is fully compatible with Nikon's Creative Lighting System (CLS) to give photographers a mobile lighting solution that is easy to manage. To further enhance mobility, the D3X is compatible with Nikon's GP-1 GPS receiver to gather information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and date of shooting. Photographers can easily shoot tethered via USB, or use the WT-4a wireless transmitter to send images wirelessly when speed and mobility are essential. D3X users will also enjoy the system strength of more than 50 genuine NIKKOR lenses that provide outstanding sharpness and high resolution across a broad range of focal lengths.

Price and Availability
The Nikon D3X will be available at Nikon Authorized Professional Dealers starting December 2008, and will be available for an estimated selling price of $7999.95.**

* Based on CIPA Standards
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008 according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 75th anniversary of NIKKOR optics and announced the production of over 45 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

LOl
i only gonna do that if nikon releasse a neu body like D3x but with a incorporated flash like D700

pop up flash iiiiiiiyyyyyuppiiiiii

just kidddinngg

TARGY

WOW!!! Can’t wait to get one of these babies in my hand. all i need to do is win the Powerball first. I am looking forward to a new lens instead.

Kuri

Give it a rest you all.
If you are a full time, succesfull pro, it is just a tool. I have never seen a forum with dozens of posts from plumbers complaining that the new FORD Transit Van they need for work costs. IT IS A TOOL. You use it to MAKE MONEY with it, not to put it on a shelf and lick it twice a day and then post on every forum that your megapixel is bigger than theirs.

If you are a pro, you claim back the VAT, write it off over 3 or 5 years against taxes and in the mean time USE IT TO MAKE MONEY WITH. That is what it is for. Of cours th price may be frustrating if all you can afford is the brochure, but then spend your time honing your skills, earning money with what you have now and work your way up. Unless you have a rich daddy, that is how we all do it.

Here you go: D3x: Let’s say £5,500. Ignore VAT, you do get it back but have to pay back VAT you collect and if you do your job right you should end up paying more than getting back anyway. Let”s keep it simple and ignore depreciation too. Say I want to ‘earn’ the D3x over 3 years. Say I work 50 weeks a year and do one shoot per week to keep the figures simple: £5,500/150= 36.66 per shoot. Easily affordable, cheaper than renting a Phase One or H3D for a day. There. Now go work. If you do that it’ll pay for itself. Whining on a forum only hurts innocent pixels 🙂

Michael

I agree with Kuri. This is a tool. I of course hoped for a cheaper price tag, all of us do. I was realistic though and it is where I thought it would be. It is a direct face off with the Canon 1Ds Mark III. It bests the specs of the Canon, and costs the same as the Canon. I expected this.

I only hope the performance is there. I have had issues with seeing the samples, all I got was from one of the links above. They were nice.

I tried going to Nikon’s site but if I clicked on the actual thumbnails, it died. The site is probably slammed.

I know many wanted video in this camera. That would have been fine But it is not really what the photographers who will actually purchase this will use Most of the time. YES it could have been useful, I don’t deny that.

Most of the folks buying this is going to use it in studios or on location shooting hi res shots. This is to compete with Canon for this market. I know Nikon would also like to compete with Hasselblad in their sandbox as well. We will see how it goes, I hope it goes well.

Almost everything I have read today has been negative. Why? This is what studio and landscape photographers expected. Yes, we wanted cheaper, who doesn’t but this is a tool for a purpose. Not a boy scout knife that does 14 things and has it’s own toothpick. This is a tool for studio and landscape photographers and hopefully will fill that niche well.

So Kuri, thanks for the fiscal insight and reminding us what it actually is. This won’t do everything. It is not a jack of all trades and master of none, this is a tool designed to do a great job for the pro in that field.

The photojournalist pro will be disappointed but he has the perfect tool in the D3. All of us would like it to be cheaper so that makes people unhappy. Keep in mind, this is NOT a 5D Mark II. I am sure it is a great camera and it has it’s own market.

I don’t agree with all the negative news today. I understand where you come from but this is a tool. You wouldn’t use a sledgehammer to hang a photo on a wall nor would you use a D3x for vacation photos, unless you are rich.

Every tool has it’s place. Please keep this in mind.

faterikcartman

I would say that, at least in the USA, there are many more rich people, and advanced amateurs who are rich, than well paid pros.

Nikon user

I agree completely.

Kuri

Absolutely true. I have been to many, many events either in the US or Europe that are worth shooting, where the ‘amateurs’ had far better gear than the ‘Pro’s’. Seen that many times over and over again. Difference is… I’m a pro, I get better access, even if you have a better body or lens 🙂

Anonymous

I think one reason for the disappointment is that Nikon fans really felt like Nikon could dominate the market by pricing well under the Canon equivalent. Nikon has released some great cameras and lenses over the past couple of years. This will no doubt be a great camera but the release is just underwhelming.

I agree completely. Nikon just hasn’t really handled the entire launch all that well. We all saw it coming, and Nikon just let us speculate a bunch of stuff; and naturally the speculation was pretty far-fetched at times, and unrealistic. And when a company brings its fans back down to earth, many will be left disappointed. This differs from the D3, I think, because the D3 really set a new standard. The D3x is just a natural evolution, not a revolution; and people were unrealistically looking towards a revolution. I am satisfied with what the D3x is. Would I want it to be cheaper? Yeah, of course; I’d like to spend less money. But, I can understand the pricing and I’m okay with it. I can only speak for myself though, so if the rest of you are not so ‘okay with it’ as I am, I understand. None of us probably bleed Benjamins. For a lot of people, the D3 is MORE than enough camera, and at about half the cost ($4200 @ B&H), fairly affordable in relative terms. So, if you don’t KNOW why you need 24.5 megapixels, you don’t need the D3x. Back to why Nikon didn’t handle this all that well; they didn’t give enough information over a long period of time; there was no piecemeal stuff. If there had been, people would have kept their expectations within reality’s bounds and the disappointment would be far less.

I mentioned this earlier. All the scars, wrinkles, lumps and bumps. Rotten leaves and distracting garbage, twigs etc. Perfection does have it’s costs.
People will soon realized the advantage of D3 over D3x.
Less time in photoshop..

What do we we do when the reality of the world doesn’t meet our expectations
No sensor can fix all that is real. Conclusion: ” Life is better through rose colored sensors” IE, D3..

Chuck

I think the argument about pros shooting medium format going to a D3x is invalid. My daughter is a graphic designer for a large retail company who’s first name is ‘Crate’. She has been to many catalog photo shoots and they all use tethered medium format cameras. It seems to me that the art directors want pros with medium format and the pro’s want to use medium format not because it’s necessarily technically better but because it shows that you have reached a certain level of professional status.

Status is important in the art world. It’s kind of like the Mac phenom. If you are a serious graphic professional and want to be considered serious among your peers you have to use a Mac. My daughter had to have a Mac notebook. If she showed up anywhere with a PC she felt as if she would be looked down upon. I do websites and all the graphic people I work with use Macs.

In the real commercial world It’s not unusual to fly a photographer in from NY to Chicago or fly a staff of people down to FL for a one week photo shoot. The total expense of the photo shoot includes the studio, shipping and setting up all the catalog items, the staff that sets up each of the items to shoot, food for all these people for a week and lastly paying the photographer expenses and his fees. While I don’t know any numbers I have to believe that the total cost for one shoot runs into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. With so much money at stake why take any chance at all with the camera you are using. A photographer of this caliber is going to use the best tool for the job or the tool that will make him and his business appear professional. This is why pros in this situation buy Hasselblads. Even if the D3x files are as good as a MF back why would a pro in a real working situation risk his reputation, credibility and stature in the ‘art’ world to save a few bucks? It’s the same in any business. If you are going to take a high profile client out for lunch you aren’t going to show up in a 15 year old pickup truck and take him to McDonald’s. If you’re getting paid tens of thousands for a photoshoot you aren’t going to show up with a point and shoot.

If you are a pro photographer you are selling your services to art directors that are ‘artistic’ people and not necessarily in the know tech wise. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that many of the best pro photographers are ‘artists’ first and tech second. My daughter would tell me that many of the computers are old Macs and running 2 versions old Adobe software. She would tell me how many of the older designers (35+ years old) didn’t really have a clue about how their computers worked or know about all the features in the software they used everyday. There doesn’t seem to be even one calibrated monitor in the whole place.

I personally am an advanced amateur who loves photography because it allows me to mix my other love/ profession which is computers / tech. It’s a fact that many of the graphic designers and art directors are not very tech savvy. I met my daughter for lunch one day and had a conversation with a couple of her coworkers who were in charge of all the printing for the company. I was curious if they used calibrated color work flow. The answer was no. I was pretty surprised. What they do is send an artist down to the printer who looks at the copy as it comes off the press. They make color corrections right at the press by adjusting the ink. I’m thinking to myself “you can’t beat that”. Another reason they don’t use color correction is because often times the items on a catalog page come from different shoots and it’s more important to make the colors match on a page than it is to preserve true color fidelity. The bottom line is that they know how to get the job done and make it look good.

The realization I had is that what goes on in the ‘real’ world of graphic design, photography and production isn’t anything like I envisioned. It’s much more down to earth and like it should be; ‘artsy’. Many of us tech savvy amateurs are having fun with the tech (myself included) and not spending as much time on the content/ substance of our art. Professional artists are in the business of producing substantive content. The tech is secondary to getting the job done. For them it’s the content first. That’s what clients are paying for.

In my opinion the market for high res 35mm format DSLR’s is not the medium format pro market. The event and wedding photographers I know are much more sensitive to price because they generally are not making the big bucks. Most of these guys are self-employed trying to make a living. Their cameras are working tools. Buying new equipment takes money directly out of their pockets. One friend is still shooting with a couple of Canon 20d’s which still take great wedding pictures. I can tell you right now that he is not going to spend 8k on a new camera especially since the economy has collapsed and his business is down.

The largest market will be advanced amateurs who have the disposable income to buy neat toys. I make a pretty good living but I can tell you that I’m not ever going to spend 8 thousand dollars on a camera body especially since Canon has already announced a camera for a fraction of the price with better specs.

Here’s my thinking as a discretionary spender. My original intent was to keep my D300 and get the D3x as a FF body because I always liked to shoot wide. I figured since the D3 is down to 4300 it would give some headroom for the new D3x to come in at 5k which would still be almost twice the price of the new Canon 5dmkII. Think about this. The reviews still say that the Image quality coming off the sensor in the older Canon 5D is better than any of the existing Nikon’s. It doesn’t have the features like low noise / high iso and the build quality, but the quality of the files it produces are excellent. The reviews have already said that the 2600.00 5dmkII has as good or better quality as the Canon flagship 1dsMkIII with all kinds of new features to boot. Lets say the Canon 5dmkii isn’t built as good as the D3x. I can simply buy 2 Cannon bodies and have 2800.00 left over. Or I can buy the Canon and 5400.00 worth of ‘L’ lenses for the price of the Nikon D3x. I can get out of Nikon and sell off my 14-24 and 24-70 G lenses and my D300 for 3500 to 4k. and come out.

Pablov

I don’t think the “MF format” is valid either.
For me it is JUST an Excuse, a MARKETING move.

For many reasons Most ALREADY “MF-FORMAT PROs” won’t buy this camera.
(I posted them in the other thread, so won’t repeat here)

Few of them may need it.
Some other customers, that today are Not MF-Pros will buy it, and maybe get benefit and profit from it, at a Very expensive cost.
But Good if they get High revenue too.

Towert7

They are really putting a lot of emphasis on EXPEED.
I really want to see some images out of the D3x compared to a hasselblad.

Michael

I would Love to see that too. I doubt that either manufacturer will do that for us though 🙂

I bet it would be a Great comparison.

Pablov

If this camera is aimed to studio and landscape photography, as Nikon says, then there is no need for that fast 51-area AF system. They won’t use it
Nikon could have saved some money on that and sell at lower cost
But they didn’t, because this camera IS a D3, has been designed long ago (just tunned up to get better results with that mysterious sensor) and they put on sale just “today” at double the price of a D3.

It’s kind of late.
They think they will convince medium format pros to switch frome their MF bodies and lenses to buy it… Maybe some do, but how many?
Seems Nikon chose selling less quantity at much higher price, to a specific segment, willing they gain new customers also for their lenses. This is the only logical explanation I find.

1D Mark III was released long ago (with issues, yes, but years ago) and they will release a new one with new features, probably in 2009, with new high-tech features

IF D3x was launched 2 years ago along with the D3 at this price, then it would have had much more sense, cause woud have been “THE” High-Tech 24MP camera. But TODAY? with competition having 20+MP at lower (or much lower price), and near future new releases?…
For me this is a bad and late move.

I wonder what the SPECS and PRICES of D700x or D400 will be, what are the plans of Nikon

it’s NOT the PRICE ITSELF what worries me, but the “strategy”, development or whatever Nikon is planning to do in upcoming Dxxx DSLRs, since we invest in Cameras AND lenses..

I wasn not going to buy this D3x, because I don’t need the heavy-duty body but VERY interested on it, thinking on a future D700x or D800 model, that could buy

– Do they plan to sell a D700x with same features as the D700, with 24MP, at double the price TOO ?? Seem too silly (honestly, more than silly and disappointing) to me. I hope they WILL NOT.

Is like if they were not watching what is going on around (related to technology, features, competition, prices and economy) or just betting for a specific segment. That makes me think what are they thinking on for future?
They are wasting time and chances.

Well, enough talking about this “tank” to me… Won’t bother anymore 🙂

Pablov

CORRECTION: I wrote “2” years of the releasing of D3, but it has passed one year and copule of months.

I maintain what I think, this machine would get much more sales (and sense of predictable future to the customers of FX series) if it was sold for lower and logical price.

Nikon: remember Canon and Sony are out there too, not only MF format manufacturing monsters…

So do I.
Its sealed now, has video (and what video), and for the rest of the money i will buy another 3 Prime-Lenses.

Chevypower

I will go the D800/900 body – whatever 24.5mp replaces the D700.

A.G

I predict that some people will throw a tantrum and threaten to buy a Canon DSLR, before realising that they too charge more than we would like for their products. There is no sense in calling Nikon stupid and then ranting about switching brands because a new camera is out of our price range at launch.

See, this camera fits a particular segment of the market – namely pro photographers who “need” the higher MP count and would look elsewhere for their needs if Nikon didn’t provide it. They have the money. They WILL buy it. For the rest, they will just have to wait a short while until that resolution makes its way into more ‘affortable’ cameras.

Nikon have been around a long time in a competitive market, and dare I say it, look stronger at this point than anyone else. You don’t achieve that by making very many stupid decisions.

I agree with most of what you are saying. But, the problem is, Canon has nearly the 24mp resolution in the 5D Mark II. And that camera is a very scary bit of competition to Nikon right now. I really thought Nikon was on a tear with the D300 and D3 last year and the D700 this year; but now it doesn’t look very good. At all. Nikon needs to get their act together. I have faith that they will.

The Nikon D3x is way over-priced, you can buy the Canon D5 with 21 mg for just $ 2600, why is Nikon D3x $8000 ? The Nikon D3 has everything the D3x has, and Nikon comes out with the Nikon D700 , which has more features than the D3 for less money, now only $2500 from B&h Photo. If you think that their 24.5 mg chip is worth $3500 more than the D700, you should see a doctor. Also Sony Has the A900 with 24.6 mega pixels, for just $2100, which I think is the same chip that Nikon is using in the D3X D3x should sell for no more than $5900john

John Robinson

John I think You are so right about Nikon trying to rip-off loyal Nikon people ,who have supported Nikon for years, With this rediculous price on the Nikon D3x , which is virtually the same camera as the Nikon D3, now selling for $4200 from B&H Photo

Jerry Summers

John, I am Jerry who just replied to John’ s comments and they listed me wih you E-mail address? perhaps Nikon is running this website